Gas mask speech transmission



Match 14, 1961 A. v. Mo'rslNGER 2,974,665

GAS MASK SPEECH TRANSMISSION Filed Feb. l2, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 2, 22Arma/*d l( Mars/'nger ATTORNEY March 14, 1961 A. v. MoTsxNGl-:R2,974,665

GAS MASK SPEECH TRANSMISSION Filed Feb. l2. 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENTOR. Armard V. Mors/'nger ATTORNEY GAS MASK SPEECH TRANSMISSIONFiled Feb. l2, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENToR. Armafd V. Mois/nger ATTOR/VFY GAS MASK SPEECH TRANSMISSION Armard V. Motsinger, Rte. 2,Aberdeen, Md.

Filed Feb. 12, 1954, Ser. No. 410,056

14 Claims. (Cl. 12S- 141) (Granted under Title l35, U.S. Code (1952),sec. 266) The invention described herein may be manufactured and used byor for the Government of the United States of America for governmentalpurposes without the payment to me of any royalty thereon.

This invention relates to a voice transmitting means for gas masks.

In my Patent No. 2,410,454, November 5, 1946, I have shown avoice-transmitting gas mask which includes a vibnatable diaphragm ofthin sheet material, such as cellulose film, and a resonating chamberbetween the diaphragm and the mouth of wearer.

An object of this invention is to improve the basic structure shown inmy patent.

A further o-bject of my invention is to provide a voicetransmittingmeans for a gas mask in which the diaphragm is protected againstunctures or other injury.

A further object of my invention is to provide an improved resonatorstructure.

A further object of certain embodiments of my invention is to provide asound-transmitting gas mask in which the air-outlet valve acts :as adiaphragm to transmit speech.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a view, partially in section,of a gas mask incorporating a voicetransmitting means according to myinvention. Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of one modification of avoicetransmitting means according to my invention. Figure 3 is a rightend elevation of the device shown in Figure 2, on a reduced scale.Figure 4 is a left end elevation of the device shown in Figure 2, on areduced scale. Figure 5 is a section, on a reduced scale, on line 5 5 ofFigure 2. Figure 6 is a section on a reduced scale, on line 6 6 ofFigure 2.

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view showing another modification of myvoice-transmitting means which utilizes the air outlet valve disk,mounted in a gas mask. Figure 8 is a longitudinal section of thevoice-transmitting means shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a left endelevation, on a reduced scale, of the device shown in Figure 8. Figure10 is a section, on a reduced scale, taken on line 20-20 of Figure 8.Figure 1l is a view, partially in section, of the lower portion of themodification of Figure 7. Figure 12 is a perspective View of themouthpiece of Figure 1l. Figure 13 is a plan view of the mouthpieceincluding a portion in section on the line 23-23 of Figure ll.

The ybasic principles of the voice-transmitting gas mask shown in myPatent No. 2,410,454 have proved quite successful. The present inventionembodies various improvements which render the device more rugged,efiicient, and capable of better adjustment. One of the modications,moreover, utilizes the air outlet valve disk as a speech-transmittingdiaphragm and permits a reduction in the number of fixtures attached tothe face-piece of the gas mask.

In the mask shown in my Patent No. 2,410,454, a resonating chamber wasprovided inside the face-piece, between the diaphragm and Ithe mouth ofthe wearer. In

Patented Mar. 14, 1961 all the modifications of the present invention, aresonating chamber is provided on the exterior side of the diaphragm andis constructed in such a manner that there is no direct opening from theoutside to the diaphragm. The diaphragm is thus protected againstpunctures.

The modification of Figures 1 to 6 will now be described in detail.

In Figure l, I have shown the gas mask comprising a face piece 1 andincluding the usual cannister for the intake of air (not shown) and anair outlet 3. Inside the face piece is a nose cup 5 formed of a sheet ofiieXi-ble rubber and a mouthpiece 6 of similar material. My inventioninvolves the use of speech transmitter 7 which will now be described inmore detail.

Referring to Figure 2, the transmitter includes a diaphragm chamber 9and a resonator 11. The diaphragm chamber is formed by a firstcup-shaped housing 13 which has a cylindrical wall 15 and a base 17. Avoice tube 18 communicates with an opening eccentrically positioned inthe base 17. Within the housing 13, are plates 19 and 21. Between theseplates is a diaphragm 23 formed of several, for instance four, sheets ofthin material. While cellulose acetate or the other materials mentionedin my patent may be used, I have found that superior results are securedby the use of thin sheets of polyvinylidine chloride such as is soldunder the name orf Saran Plates 19 and 21 are perforated near theirperipheries by holes 28 which permit the passage of sound waves. Thehousing 13 and the plates 19 and 21 are preferably formed of a plasticor hardboard, for example those that are sold under the name Panelyte bythe St. Regis Paper Company, New York, New York. The diaphragm chamberand the resonator are held together by a crimped ring 22, preferably ofaluminum.

The resonator, which will now be described in detail, is preferablyformed of a light metal such as magnesium alloy. The resonator includesa second cup-shaped housing 24, having a cylindrical wall 26, and a base25. An inner wall 27 located centrally of the base defines a centralopening in which is mounted a spider 29 which carries a central support31. The central support is shown as tapped to receive a stud 33. It willbe understood however, that the stud may be mounted in the support inother manners, for example, by pressing. The outer end of the stud isthreaded and carries a movable plate 35 which is provided with a knurledknob 37 internally threaded to receive the stud. The outer face of plate35 carries a numbered scale as shown in Figure 4. A series of frictionsprings 39 are fastened to the inner surface of wall 26 and are infrictional engagement with the periphery of plate 35. As a further aidto indexing the plate, its periphery is provided with a hundred evenlyspaced notches 36. One of the springs 39 has a sharp V-shaped portion 40which enters these notches giving audible clicks as the plate isrotated. A post 41 on the outer surface of plate 35, and a stop screw 43mounted in the cylindrical wall 26 serve to limit the movement of theplate.

The operation of this modification is as follows:

When the wearer speaks, mouthpiece 6 directs the sound waves into tube18. Base 17 of the first housing, plates 19 and 21, base 25 of thesecond housing, and movable plate 35, together with the cylindricalwalls form a series of resonating chambers A, B, C, D, and E. Thediaphragm 23 transmits the sound waves while preventing passage of gasin the same manner as described in my prior patent. By turning knob 37,plate 35 can be adjusted, thus varying the size of the chamber E tosecure the best transmission of the Voice of a given individual. By useof the numbered scale, the plate may be reset at its optimum position.Since rotation of the plate gives audible clicks, it may be adjusted bytrial without removpiece clipped in place.

ing the gas mask and retained in the position found best.

In Figures 7 to 13, I have shown a modification in which the thindiaphragm used in the other models is dispensed with and its functionsare performed bythe air outlet valve disk of the gas mask. Referring" toFigures 7 and 1'1, I have shown a gas mask having the usual face piece2M and air inlet connection 203. The air outl'et is at 205. Mounted overthe air outlet is resonator 297. Referring now to Figures 8, 9 and 10,the air outlet comprises a metal outlet tube 269 in which -is mounted aspider :2li carrying a valve disk support 213. The air outlet valvedisk, shown at 215, is formed of flexible resilient rubber. The outlettube also carries an outlet connection 217. The resonator comprises acup-shaped housing 2l? having a cylindrical or truste-conical Wall 221and a base 223. Extending through the central part of the base is acylinder 225 which carries a spider 227. The spider in turn carries acentral support 229 in which is threaded a stud 231 having a knurledknob 233. A plate 235 is carried by stud 231 which is rotatable relativethereto. The plate carries at its periphery pins 237 which seat in slots239 in wall 221. The plate is thus held against rotation but ispermitted axial movement. A series of springs 241 urges the plateoutwardly against a shoulder 243 on stud 231. As shown in Figure 19, anumbered scale is provided on the peripheral portion of plate 235. Thestud 231 carries a pointer 245 which is y held in position by lock nut236. Rotation of the pointer relative to stud 2.3i is prevented by slot238 which engages a key formed on the pointer.

The resonator is secured to the air outlet tube by a rubber sleeve 247which is secured to cylinder sleeve 225 by clamping ring 249. The sleevepasses over the air outlet connection 217 and holds the resonator inplace thereon. For ease of operation, the rubber sleeve is provided witha tab 251.

Referring to Figures l1, 12 and 13 the mask includes a conventional nosecup 253 provided with air intake valves, one of which is shown at 255.In the lower portion of the face piece is a chin-itting ridge 257 whichdefines the lower edge of the outlet opening. In order to secure propersound transmission, I employ a sponge rubber mouthpiece 259. Thismouthpiece is reinforced by a spring wire 262 which is held in place bysheet rubber 262. The external portion of the wire is formed into aspring clip 263 which holds the mouthpiece in place. It will be notedthat the upper ends 265 of the mouthpiece are spaced apart to provide anopening for the transmission of nasal sounds. In use, the mouthpiecetits rather snugly around the mouth of the wearer with ends 265positioned' near the lower edges of the nose.

The manner of use of this modification is as follows:

T he facepiece outlet tube, valve disk, and outlet tube connection arethe same as for prior models of gas masks. The usual rubber cover of theoutlet valve can simply be removed and replaced byl my resonator and themouth- When the resonator is installed, the outlet valve disk vibratessufficiently to permit the passage of sound waves, which are amplifiedby the resonator chamber formed by housing 219 and plate 235. By turningknob 233, the plate 235 can be adjusted toward and away from base 223 togive the best results for an individual voice. By use of the scale andpointer, the plate can later be reset to the desired position.

It will be apparent that the devices of Figs. 1 to 6 and Figs. 7-13 areclosely related and can readily be modified. Thus the non-rotary plate235its stud 231 and associated adjusting means or" Figs. 7-13 mayreplace plate 35 and stud 33 of Figs. 1-6, or viceversa.

While I have described specific embodiments in detail, the invention isobviously susceptible to variations. I do not, therefore, desire to belimited except by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A resonating chamber for a voice-transmitting means for gas maskscomprising a cup-,shaped housing having a central opening in the basethereof, la spider in said opening, a central support carried by saidspider, a plate within said housing substantially parallel to and spacedfrom the base thereof, and having its periphery spaced from thecylindrical wall of said housing, means connecting the said centralsupport with the central portion of said plate and thereby supportingsaid plate.

2. A device according to claim 1 including means to selectively 'movesaid plate toward and away from the base of said housing.

3. A device according to claim l comprising an axial support memberconnected to said central support and said plate being rotatably mountedon said axial support member and having a threaded connection therewith,and

manually actuatable means for turning said plate on said axialsupporting member to thereby selectively move said plate toward or awayfrom said base.

4. A device according to claim 3 further comprising at least one springdetent mounted on the inner surface of the cylindrical Wall and engagingthe periphery of said plate member and a series of notches in saidperiphery receiving said detent, whereby said plate member may be heldin definite positions and whereby when said plate is turned a series ofaudible clicks will be produced.

5. A device according to claim 1 comprising an axial support memberconnected to said central support and rotatably engaging the centralportion of the plate, means preventing rotation of said plate butpermitting movement thereof toward and away from the base, said axialsupport member being in threaded engagement with said central support,at least one shoulder on said axial sup port member engaging said plate,and manually actuatable means for rotating said axial support member toY thereby selectively move said plate toward and away from said base.

6. In a device according to claim 5, spring means engaging said base andsaid plate and urging said plate away from said base, a scale extendingaround the peripheral portionl of said plate iand a pointer mounted onsaid axial support member, where-by said plate may be set at a definitedistance from said base.

7. In Ia gas mask comprising a face piece, an air outlet tube, and anoutlet valve, said valve comprising a disk of flexible, resilientmaterial secured at its central portion and having its peripheralportion in contact with the outer end of said outlet tube; thecombination therewith l of a resonating chamber mounted on the dischargeside of said outlet valve, said resonating chamber including aperipheral wall member and at least two plates substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of said peripheral wall member, said platesbeing spaced from one another and from said outlet valve, and airpassages so located as to permit sound waves Ito pass from said outletvalve through said resonating chamber to the exterior.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein at least one of said plates isselectively movable toward and away from the other.

9. In a gas mask comprising a face piece, an air outlet tube, and anoutlet valve, said valve comprising a disk of flexible, resilientmaterial secured at its central portion and 'having its peripheralportion in Contact with the outer end of said outlet tube; thecombination therewith of `a resonating chamber mounted on the dischargeside of said outlet valve, said resonating chamber comprising acup-shaped housing having a central opening in the base thereof, aspider in said opening, a central support carried by said spider, aplate within said housing substantially parallel to and spaced from thebase thereof, and having its periphery spaced from the cylindrical wallof said housing and means connecting the said central support with thecentral portion of said plate and thereby supporting `said plate, and anoutlet connection, forming an open passage from the exterior of saidoutlet valve to said opening for conducting sound Waves from said outletvalve to said resonating chamber.

10. A device laccording to claim 9 including means to selectively movesaid plate toward and away from the base of said housing.

l1. In a gas mask comprising a face piece, an air outlet tube, and `anoutlet valve, said valve comprising a disk of flexible, resilientmaterial secured at its central pontion and having its peripheralportion in contact with the outer end of said outlet tube; thecombination therewith of a resonating chamber mounted on the dischargeside of said outlet valve said resonating chamber comprising acup-shaped housing having a central opening in the base thereof, aspider in said opening, a central support carried by said spider, aplate within said housing substantially parallel to and spaced from thebase thereof, and having its periphery spaced from the cylindrical Wallof said housing, means connecting the said central support with thecentral portion of said plate and thereby supporting said plate, saidmeans comprising an axial support member connected to said centralsupport and rotatably engaging the central portion of the plate, meanspreventing rotation of said plate but permitting movement thereof towardand away from the base, said axial support member being in threadedengagement with said central support, .at least one shoulder on saidaxial support member engaging said plate, and manually actuatable meansfor rotating said axial support member to thereby selectively move saidplate toward and away from said base.

12. In a device according to claim l1, spring means engaging saidhousing and said plate `and urging said plate away from said base, ascale extending around the peripheral portion of said plate and apointer mounted on said axial support member, whereby said plate may beset at a definite distance from said base.

13. The combination 4as defined in claim 9 and further comprising asponge rubber mouthpiece removably secured to said facepiece, saidmouthpiece being so formed and positioned as to substantially surroundthe mouth of the wearer and direct sound waves into said outlet tube.

14. The combination as dened in claim 13, said mouthpiece being open atthe top to thereby transmit nasal sounds.

References Cited in the Vile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,757,459 Harrison May 6, 1930 1,991,002 Stanley Feb. 12, 1935 2,038,267Bullard Apr. 2l, 1936 2,325,688 Landis Aug. 3, 1943 2,410,454 MotsingerNov. 5, 1946 2,645,301 De Vries .Tuly 14, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 464,458Great Britain Apr. 19, 1937 826,056 France Dec. 27, 1937 833,096 FranceJuly 11, 1938 572,888 Great Britain Oct. 29. 1945

